the point

Then and Now

2009-11-08T19:19:15Z

One of my favourite type of reviews is when a reader notes just how much my writing has improved in the last three years. In fact, this morning... err... afternoon (cause it's now 12:40 p.m.), I opened my e-mail and found just one such review. The reader notes how the first and fifth Nocte have two different tones. A few month back another reader noted that my writing style has changed and encouraged me to look back on my previous novels.

I do occassionally look back. Most of the time I'm pretty satisfied with what I've written, and sometimes I feel like tweaking it. (Which I do with my Master Copy - capitals required! ^_^)

As I was writing Chapter One of Nocte Yin:AVAHAEE a long time ago, I felt that it was different also. (I'm gonna sound a bit corny here, but I felt the difference in my heart... and guts.) I knew, of course, that as the story progressed the writing style would differ, but I didn't think it'd be this dramatic.

Several things must be taken account. (Wow, I sound like a scientist or something. I should really get a labcoat.)

1) My writing has advanced over the years, at least I HOPE that it has! XD Throughout the years I've been wriing Nocte, I've moved from high school to university. I'm studying English for crying out loud! I HAVE to be good.

2) The first Nocte Yin wasn't about plot. Some may say that it's full of fillers. (I'm not afraid to admit it.) BUT I know what I was trying to do. It wasn't about plot, it was about characters - slice of life, so to speak. It was just fun and easy-going and introducing the characters to the audience (and to myself), so I had a lot freedom for any ridiculous scenerio that came to mind. I had, essentially, no direction and new ideas would just pop up as I wrote. I love it. I'm not going to lie. Fillers are, I think, one of my greatest skillz - madz skillz!

3) The plot of Nocte has changed. Although the first Nocte was all fun and games, the third and fourth were about survival and war and betrayal. My writing style had to change because of this. In fact, several times I detested the darker, morbid plotline, only because it was harder to insert the funnies into it. Now I find it hard to return to my fillers way. I can't write a chapter now without advancing the plot - no more mindless Christmas games or pillow fights. T_T

4) Nocte, as a character, has changed. I remember in the first book I wanted her to be happy, chipper and fiercely loyal to her family. One of the things I didn't explain very well in the first book was that why would Nocte agree to go to Evil Academy when she doesn't want to be evil? At first I was just as confused, but then I placed myself in her place. I'm Chinese (Uh-oh, I may have blown my cover ^_^;) so I don't know about you, but in my culture (or at least in my family), you listen and do as you are told by your elders. And as much as you resent them, you love and respect them enough to listen. Nocte is such a character; she loves her family enough to go to Evil Academy.

Then Nocte became darker and more serious to match the plot, a darker and more serious plot. Sometimes I wonder if she had changed so much that she's no longer the same character. But when I go back to read the first book again, I realize that Nocte has always been a little ruthless, a bit restless and a lot quirky - with a sidedish of Death Glare. It's strange to realize how much she has... matured.

5) I had no idea what I was doing.Some authors write out their plots beforehand; I only had jot notes in my head as to the broad themes of each novel. Some authors make a map of their world and give characteristics to each ethnic group; I made them as I went - only after the first book did I make a very blocky, not-to-size map. Some authors knew their protagonist inside-out; I had to bump Nocte into walls until she made sense to me. I just posted the fic on FictionPress on a whim and just continued to write because I was a review-whore! >_<

Nocte Yin was, essentially, a test and trial... only it became a really good test that I'm still writing about today. That's why when readers ask why I don't go back and edit the earlier novels, I only do that in my Master Copy (capitals a must!) because Nocte Yin really is a journey about her and me.

I really hope, after three years, that you've all had fun reading about her as much as I had (and am having) writing about her!

Loves,
the point

Nocte Overhaul!

2009-11-08T04:32:33Z

So... at 10 in the evening tonight... I deleted seven chapters of Nocte Yin: Anti-Villain, Anti-Hero and Anti-Everything-Else from FictionPress.

Where'd they go?

It's okay, I still have them on file, but I will be rewriting them, just like I had rewrote Chapter Seven. (BTW, the underlined words are not links, but this is.)

I am surprised to find, however, that all the reviews did not get deleted as I deleted the chapters. Must be a new thing... or old because I haven't deleted a chapter in a while.

I spent the last two weeks going through Chapter Seven over and over and over and over and over (you get the point) again. I had wanted to rewrite the novel a long time ago... which would be during my writer's block period. (And my essay-writing period. It's funny how they coincide.)

I remember when I first wrote Chapter Seven a long, long, long time ago that I was totally not satisfied by it. The abrupt ending on how Nocte suddenly becomes evil was my trying to hurry the plot along. BUT IT WAS SO WRONG! I, along with a lot of you (meaning my readers), was probably looking forward to the day Nocte would finally be evil... and I guess I rushed it a bit.

Before I started the fifth Nocte, I knew I wanted her to descend slowly into the darkness. What I did was have her drop down a ravine... a very, very high ravine at a very, very fast pace.

GAWD. I'm such a loser. T_T

I can't say that I'm satisfied with the new Chapter Seven, only because I'm overwrought with deleting seven chapters for it. BUT, I can say with great confidence that the new chapter ends the way I intended it to end so very long ago.

I hope you aren't all disappointed in me.

Also, I can't guarantee fast updates either. I spent weeks rewriting Chapter Seven... I might spend just as many weeks writing Eight, Nine, Ten, Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen and Fourteen. (Although, Fourteen wasn't much of a chapter, mostly an author's note. ^_^; )

That reminds me. Voting for the La Campanella Awards ends on November 9th, 2009. Please get your votes in!

Here's their site!

Anyway, hope you'll like the new chappy!

La Campanella Awards!

2009-10-11T16:10:06Z

Dear everyone,

I'm sure most of you know by now (or you haven't been checking for Nocte updates... not that there's a lot there), but I got nominated for a La Campanella Award! Of course it's under the Le Fantasy category. I am, in the long run, very excited and very tired from thinking about it.

Voting starts on October 19th! If you're up for it, visit their site here and vote when October 19th arrives.

I want to thank everyone for their support, including the La Campanella Awards. This is certainly a good experience to have.

Loves,
the point

Life and Fish

2009-09-07T01:54:17Z

I really don't know what's up with my dad lately. It's like he's gotten smarter and deeper over the years since my brother and I have moved out.

Just today, while discussing money and my future life, mom and dad both said that I didn't have to find a job with a lot of money to be happy. I know this, of course. I only want money for security reasons. Well, dad said that life is like fishing. If you hold onto the reel too hard (or onto money too tightly), you'll lose the fish (or the money). He said that I had to let the line go slowly and the fish will come.

Isn't that weird?

I don't mean the analogy, but rather it's my dad saying it to me. All my life it has always been my mom teaching me lessons. Dad has a couple of times, but never with a lot of analogies he made up himself. I'm sure they are common analogies, but dad seems to come up with them himself.

It's strange, isn't it? To grow up only to watch your parents grow up too.

I think I miss being a kid. T_T

Life and Potatoes

2009-08-06T16:40:42Z

This Tuesday (two days ago), my dad decided to give me a lesson in life. During March we planted some potatoes in our garden. Five months later, August, my dad and I pulled out the potatoes from the dirt. To tell you the truth, I have never been so surprised in my life. It's actually quite amazing to see that one potato can produce six to eight more potatoes five months later. And it was so fun digging in the dirt... I actually felt like I was a treasure hunter or something...

Yeah, lame. Believe me, I know.

After we up heaved eight plants and filled a giant basket with potatoes, dad said that planting potatoes is like life. If you put a little work in it at the beginning (meaning planting the potatoes), the outcome will be worth it (a basket of potatoes).

Truthfully, I was kinda surprised at what he had said... It was actually kinda deep, if you know what I mean. Usually dad's not so philosophical. That's mom's department, but what he said two days ago is still in my head... and it is SO true! Dad has a lot more depth than I thought. I mean, I knew he had depth, but sophisticated depth.

Dad to me has always been this rough, farm boy kinda guy. Mom's the polite, city gal. It's amazing how well they work together! Of course, I know it probably took them years to figure out a system to run the house and raise my brother and I (meaning: my dad agreed to whatever my mom said), but this is the first time I realized how well they... fit.

I think I'd be very lucky if twenty years from now, I can have what my mom and dad has. It's more than just love - it's a partnership.

Now, onto other things! (Did I totally break the mood, or what?)

Here's a list of movies I totally want to get, but had never had the chance to get. (Or rather, are never cheap enough for me to get cause I am a cheapo!)

1. The Queen
2: 27 Dresses
3. The Devil Wears Prada
4. Legally Blonde
5. Legally Blonde 2
6. Princess Diaries
7. Princess Diaries 2

Anime I wish I can have, but probably can't.

1. Sailor Moon, the whole series

Notice my list are filled with girly, romantic crap? Well, I'm a girly, romantic kinda gal. Plus a splash of comedy.

I can never do hard up romance (like The Notebook, etc). I have to have comedy, hench romantic comedy movies! Straight romance seems very unlikely to me.

Anywho, I just wanted to write a list in case I forget what I really want. Loves all around!

Mourning Period Long Over!

2009-07-16T21:30:51Z

I don't know if you know (which I'm pretty sure you don't), but my hard drive is alive again! (IT'S ALIVE!) I got it back from the company, completely fixed with all my data intact, around last week? Maybe two weeks ago?

So you must be wondering: Where have I been?

It's quite simple really: ESSAY PILE!

Well, not really a pile. More like... a puddle? Anywho, I had three essays to write, and two weeks ago was my reading week, so I wrote two 10-page essays in a week... It makes me mad that one of my classmates wrote his essay in a day... Like, the day before it was due... Gawd, I hate people like that. I can never manage it.

THE STRESS! THE STRESS!

Ah-em.

So I now have one essay left due this following week. Don't worry, it's only 5 pages, so I'll manage. HOWEVER, this weekend I'm going over to my friend's house to help her fundraise for the ALS Society. I know it will be fun and I know she'll be grateful, so I'm putting writing on hold for a while.

As for other things in my life... My cousin's b-day was last week. My mom and dad came to visit that week too, so I gave my cousin's gift to my mom to give to my cousin. (Does that make sense?) So when my mom gave her the giftcard (I was originally going to mail it to my cousin. Real purchases are bulky and expensive to deliver), my mom also gave her money on behalf of my mom and dad. So my cousin technically got TWO gifts from my family and now she claims that my mom is the best aunt ev-ah! Which, btw, is so true.

My mom rocks hXc! ^_^

Speaking of birthdays, for my birthday this year I want the Canadian flag that flies on Parliament Hill. I think my highschool History teacher said that you could actually get it cause they put up a new one every day and the old ones are given away to whoever wants it. Well, I really want to get it for my b-day this year so I'm going to contact my local MP (Member of Parliament) to see if it's possible. If not, then I will have to settle for Sailor Moon DVDs or something.

But then again, no one ever settles for Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon is the best ev-ah! (Just like my mom!)

Also today, I had to register for my courses for next year. Lucky for me, I've gotten into everything I wanted! Yay for me! So let's hope for the best!

I've Been Mourning

2009-06-30T17:21:10Z

You're probably wondering (or maybe not) where I've been. Well, I've been mourning over my dead hard drive. Last Saturday, it died on me for no particular reason. In a rush of panic, I've called five different data recovery companies and, FYI, it costs a lot to get my stuff back. So my aunt offered to have her computer techie to look over it and he said a chip fried, or something like that. Well, I have two of the same hard drive, so we switched that particular chip from my good hard drive to my bad one.

It didn't work.

After searching online review sites and forums, I found that my hard drive had a firmware problem. Apparently the company of my hard drive produced a lot of these hard drives that already had problems in them to begin with. At first, I was REALLY mad. But once I talked to the company's techie guy (he was a nice guy BTW... we talked about the weather and I was going to joke about how my igloo was melting because it's summer ... ANYWAY), and he said that their company would fix my hard drive and recover my date for FREE.

So after my uncle helped me wrap my hard drive up snug and tight with foam, and after I got a free UPS shipping label for my little hard drive package, I shipped it off. Four days later (meaning today... meaning just a few minutes ago) I get an e-mail saying that they've fixed everything. I'm relieved, but I would feel a lot better once I have it back in my hands and the info in my USB storage drives.

Besides all that hard drive fiasco, I've also got essays to write. I have three (altogether 25 pages, double spaced though). I've actually finished a 10-page essay two days ago. I'm gonna start on another 10-page essay sometime today. Don't expect too much story writing to get done.

On a happier note, my mom's birthday was last Saturday. Together with my aunt, we've sent her flowers. It's more delightful (that's right, I typed "delightful") because mom lives in a small town four hours from the city I live in. She wasn't expecting flowers. So she's really happy and I'm really happy. It was, like, the only thing that cheered me up after my hard drive died.

Also, my cousin had her prom this year! She showed me some pictures and her dress was crazy. It was pretty, but I thought it was to extravagant for a prom. (It kinda looked like a wedding dress.) It had a strapless bodice and a puffy skirt down to the ground. It was also a light pink and she actually looked like a princess... Yes, I am jealous, so what? My prom dress was a mere summer dress from Sears, but you know what? I felt pretty, so there...

Oh, what am I saying? I want a $500 dress too! Okay, I have no idea how much it cost her, but it was a lot.

Anywho, I'll try focus on the positives more than the negatives now. Seeyas!

Shameless Plugging, Anime North and Archie Comics

2009-05-28T16:59:09Z

Okay, first things first. I don't know if you've noticed or not, but I've been shamelessly plugging names of my favourite mangas, animes and books in the fifth Nocte. I really should watch out, otherwise I'd have chapters just about Nocte reading manga and watching anime, or browsing bookstores... Shopping, anyone? Ha, ha...

Secondly, last Saturday I went to Anime North, an anime convention! It was my first time and I was just so overwhelmed by the cosplay and the merchandise! My favourtie costumes were the guy who dressed up as the Harvest Moon farmer, the Clouds (because of their big swords) and that Ash and Team Rocket dual in which the guy stole Pikachu and Ash was chasing him throughout the whole convention (LOVE, LOVE!).

As exciting and new as it was, I really couldn't get into it. There was just so many people and so loud that I found myself distorted and lost several times. (Thank goodness I can scream loud, otherwise my friends would have lost us!) Not only that, but the merchandise was really expensive (although that's pretty normal for anime stuff) and there wasn't a lot of variety. There were only mangas, plushies and half-naked female figurines. I wanted tarot cards, cute figures (that has nothing to do with boobs or underwear) and just things you don't usually see or get to buy.

Now finally, I heard that in the 600th Issue of Archie Comics, Archie will be marrying Veronica. And I'm thinking, "duh?" Archie is a jerk. He has always picked Veronica, which is why when I heard the news, I was not surprised. Besides, Betty is so much better than Archie, she deserves a lot more than just a man who can't decide between bling and good ole fashioned happiness. (As you can tell, I am a Betty fan.) So my heart goes out to poor fictional Betty. Chin up, girl! You have the future waiting for you and Archie's gonna be bald when he's old. You don't want a bald husband!!! Besides, you're super smart and will probably be the first female president in the fictional Archie world! Betty 4 ev-ah!

And that's a wrap!

Summer Classes... AGAIN!

2009-05-14T14:51:34Z

It seems I'm updating my blog as often as I update Nocte, which is at the rate of one per month. I really should update my blog more often, seeing as how I don't have to go much into detail about it.

So Sorelliena went to China in April, and she just got back sometime last week (?), I think... I am a horrible cousin because I do not remember. T_T Of course, that means she's been gone from school for about a month and now she is bogged down by Math homework! (Poor Sore!) I am so glad I'm no longer in high school and I no longer have to do math (although I did do well in the subject, if I remember correctly... although my memory seems not to be doing well right now).

Speaking of school. Guess what I'm doing this summer? (My university ended in April.) Yes, I am taking summer courses - AGAIN! Remember how last summer I was groaning and moaning about how everyone was enjoying their summer, but I had to go to school? Wah-lah! I'm doing it AGAIN! Now, some people may think I'm crazy... but I'm not! I'm merely taking some courses now to lessen my course load in my last two years.

BTW, this summer was supposed to by my co-op session, and guess what! NO JOB. ARGH! My family and friends blame the economy, but I blame my less-than-stellar resume... ARGH! Anyway, it's now in the past (although I still get sleepless nights over it) and I will try to forget the raw feeling of suck I have in my throat.

My parents came over during Easter (wow, it really has been a month since I've updated) and brought a new computer chair for me! Well, originally it was for them, but it didn't quite fit the space they wanted it to be in, so I get it! HAHA! It's navy blue, soft, has arm rests and it SWIVELS - a farcry from my old, crap, fading peach chair - blech! Secretly, of course,I was hoping my brother would be jealous... but he's not. Darn.

In other news, my other cousin (whom I will be calling N) is going nuts about prom. She's graduating high school this year, but she'll be staying an extra year to pick up some missed courses. AN-Y-WAY, I feel so nostalgic when she talks about her prom dress and prom party and boyfriend. This is the perfect time in which I feel like I haven't done a lot in my high school life. Instead of buying an expensive poofy dress, I got a normal dress from Sears for under $40. Yeah... I am so weird. But N is getting hers from a boutique and getting it hemmed and doing all the dress shopping with her friends! I WANT TO GO DRESS SHOPPING WITH MY FRIENDS!

Ah-em.

Okay, I am done regretting. I gotta move forward now.

I don't know if you know (which I'm pretty sure you know), but my favourite game in the whole wide world (currently, anyway) is Team Fortress 2. It'sa first-person shooter game I've been playing for years (?) now. Anyway, it's where you're on a team and you get to choose a class (such as a soldier, spy or engineer [in which case you can build a turrent that shoots people]). For some time now, they (the people you made TF2) have been updating the classes - giving them new weapons, abilities and such. Well, news have come to me that the new update (which is hopefully SOON) is for the sniper! The sniper has got to be my (second) favourite class. The engineer is my first. Although they are pretty much par on par with each other now. It really depends on the sniper updates vs the engineer updates (which also haven't come out yet).

OKAY! Now you are up to date about my life. Actually, if you really want to be up to date: I am eating dumpling my grandmother made yesterday. They are del-i-cious... I think. I say "I think" because my throat feels funny and my nose is running - so I can't really taste them, but they look good. DON'T WORRRY, I'll probably be fine after a good night's sleep.

Well, ttyl!

YES!

2009-04-03T20:35:28Z

YES! I have updated NY: AVAHAEE! (Wow, even in acronyms it's a long title ^_^;)

YES! I am done my five essays for March! (I had written over thirty f-ing pages for those essays!)

YES! I did have cookies throughout that arduous month! (Teddy Grahams, yummy!)

YES! I did update my site! (I totally revamped it!)

YES! I am very relieved that classes are over. (There are only exams left, but the university gives us a week off to study... which means a week of nothing for me to do except to relax.)

YES! I like using capitals! And exclamation marks!

YES! I think I'm going overboard.

Eh-hem.

What has happened throughout March? Nothing really, just the dang essays. I am really sorry that I had taken a month away from Nocte, but I had to. Very sorry about that.

Life is pretty good and I'm satisfied with the new chapter. I had to rewrite it, like, ten times with ten different beginnings. I really shouldn't take a month or more away from my story; otherwise I get confused as to what I was trying to say.

Anywho, thanks for staying with me and I hope you like the new chappy!

People Must Be Wondering...

2009-03-07T16:54:00Z

Yes, still alive. Sorry I haven't been updating anything, including my blog.

I just finished writing two essays. I have three more to go... Yes, I am stressing.

During bouts of stress, I like to do creative things. So I've looked up PhotoShop tutorials and made a new website. Yes... again. Currently it is not quite done, but the "Under Construction" sign is there. Check it out if you have the time!

I am having second thoughts about the fifth Nocte. I kinda want to re-write/edit some of the last few chapters. For instance, Ophelia was never meant to be Ophelia. She had a previous name: Marie. I think I'll switch it back to the original name.

Anywho, just wanted to say I'm still alive... and this time I actually have chocolate!!! Can you believe it?

Also, my cousin, Sorelliena, started a manga called Guardian Wars. You can find it here: http://theguardianwars.deviantart.com/

I hope you enjoy her work while mine is... stagnant. ^_^;

Short and Sweet

2009-02-25T01:09:38Z

I will make this short and sweet because I'm currently stressed.

With five essays due in one month (March), there will be no updates for a while.

Thank you for your patience.

THREE YEARS... Already?

2009-02-03T04:41:31Z

I'm glad everyone is liking Chapter Seven of AVAHAEE (does that make sense?) so far. I had to re-write it THREE times. (Stupid writer's block.)

My main concern, of course, is if it's realistic enough. Does it seem plausible for Nocte to finally go crazy? That made me want to rewrite it again, but for some reason, I really liked the idea of Nocte FINALLY becoming evil. I kinda want to see what she'll do. What kind of "evil" is Nocte's evil, so to speak.

Also, I'd like to bring to attention that it has been... THREE YEARS of Nocte! Actually, I'm no longer surprised. At the rate I'm writing now, this Nocte probably won't be finished until another three years or something. Man, my bad. >_<

I also want to thank everyone who has gone the extra mile to find the meaning of all the names I give my characters or the symbolism behind objects, places and things. Mainly names though. I'm just glad you guys are involved, and it makes me happy to know that you appreciate my naming of things cause I work really hard on them.

Thanks for the three years!!! <3

Spolied! Me? Yeah.

2009-01-15T15:28:46Z

It's been about two weeks since New Year Day, and I am happy to report that I am already dead tired. Two weeks into the new semester, and I really want to quit school. It's not so much the workload or even my classes (although there are two classes that aren't my cup of tea), but because there are huge gaps in-between my classes.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays (today), I have to wait 3 and a half hours before my second class starts. >_< Am currently very tired of waiting for so long. Good part is that I use that time to catch up on reading (school reading, not hobby), and last week I went to the nearest mall to pick up a shirt and new shoes!

Speaking of buying things. I have literally spoiled myself last week, besides the new shirt and the new shoes. I also got a new coat, but since it's too thin, mom insists that I buy a winter coat and save my new, pretty coat as a fall and early spring coat... So it's my mom, not me, who wants me to have two pretty coats. Is it just me? Or is that, like, a dream come true?

Furthermore, I've also bought an exercise bike! When I went home for Christmas, I found that I lost 3 pounds, but that's not very much considering I gained, like, 10 during my first year of university living on campus. Plus, I'm pretty sure I've gained those 3 pounds back from Christmas food and Christmas chocolates...

Anywho, am trying to get very active! The internet says that to be healthy, I must exercise three times a week for 30 minutes... I figured to exercise 5 minutes for 7 days a week = 35 minutes a week... but I'm pretty sure that's not gonna work, so I'll have to put more effort into riding the bike. :(

Be rest assured, there will be a Nocte update either later today (like during the night), or tomorrow (during the afternoon). It really depends on how fast I can edit the chapter. I'm not sure how many people read my blog, but I hope this will reassure you that I am still writing - constantly writing!

Winter Holidays and Stress

2008-12-20T21:04:34Z

I should be cleaning my room and packing right now, but instead I'm finding myself struggling to write the next Nocte chapter. Please don't expect an update over the winter holidays. If I can manage it, then yay for me. If not, please do not get disappointed.

Am currently bored and feeling very sluggish. Not tired, just sluggish. I really don't know how to go about this chapter right now simply because I now need to search for names for new characters. Yes, there are going to be more characters. Yes, I am aware I have an excessive amount of characters. Sorelliena likes to remind me of that every time we're together. XD

I should feel more excited about going home for Christmas, but I just feel so out of it today. Also, there will be more snow tonight and tomorrow. I just hope there will be snow when Christmas comes around. There was a year, just a few years back actually, where there was NO SNOW. It was such a depressing Christmas. It was saved due to my mom's superb cooking, but that's not the point.

Also, the winter holidays tend to be stressful for me. I have to give presents out and be anxious about whether or not the receiver will like them. And then, of course, I had to buy those presents, and I tried to be cheaper this year (cause I do not have a job), but people always know if you went cheap or not and then people judge. *Sigh*

Besides the present crap, I also have to have lunch with my high school friends, and not everyone is available at the given date so we'll have to switch it again. Now don't get me wrong, I love my friends, but once they start talking about what they're giving to who, I am all shits out of luck. I've decided to buy a box of chocolates and let everyone have a go at it. I know for a fact that some are going to give others baked goods, so a little Lindor or Ferro Rocher will make me look really good.. ^_^

I hope I didn't bore you with this entry. Crap, I feel bored just writing it. Man, I am not happy today, am I?

Snow and Sickness

2008-12-19T19:52:10Z

I came home almost 3 hours ago and it has been snowing since 9 this morning. The radio is saying that it will snow into the evening - about 10-15 cm, maybe (probably) more. The good news? I am finished with exams since 11 this morning. The bad news? I had to lug through 10 cm of snow this morning.

Urg.

Also bad news? My brother is sick. >_< I just made some green tea for him. Aren't I the bestest sister ever? Yeah, I thought so.

Last night my aunt and uncle came over and we had dinner at the French restaurant. Was really good! I am hungry now. :P They also brought my old laptop for my grandparents. We've taught them how to play mahjong on the laptop. Since it's winter and snowing a lot, we figured this would keep them busy cause they can't very well slug through meters of snow to visit their friends. That's just unreasonable.

I also got two of my five marks for my courses this semester. So far so good! I am actually quite proud of myself. Let's just hope everything is just as good. XD

Reminder: Must wrap my cousin's X-mas present, otherwise I will suck.

Once Upon a December... Everything Sucks!

2008-12-15T20:09:29Z

Since I haven't posted all December, here's the low down.

On Monday, December 1, 2008: Last day of classes.
My last class ended at 4:30, so my friends and I went Christmas shopping at the nearest mall. I got to meet one my friends' boyfriend (at long last), and he seems nice. Everything may have been a bit awkward, but I tried to make things easier by being my usual bubbly self! In a nut shell, I finished my Christmas shopping (I know it was early ;P ) and didn't get home until around 8-9 p.m.? I think grandma was getting a bit worried.

December 2-4: No classes. These three days were for studying.
I spent these days studying like mad. No, sorry, I meant MAD! I had to read three Shakespeare plays for my English exam that Friday, and then I spent hours memorizing dates for my History exam the Saturday after. If that wasn't crazy enough, my other English professor e-mailed me and said I had done my final essay wrong!!! I was extremely lucky that she gave me the chance to rewrite it. And to rewrite that essay, I had to read ANOTHER Shakespeare play! So I read four plays and memorized twenty-some dates in three days!

ARG!

December 5-6: English and History exams.
The Shakespeare exam was easy! I totally sucked at the midterm, but I breezed through the exam. As for the World History exam, I was surprised. It wasn't easy and it wasn't hard, it was in-between. The problem was that the short answer questions were based mostly on things I didn't study on! There was almost nothing on World War II! I was kinda confused, but I got through it.

December 7-9: Study and webcomics and fun.
I studied a bit, but mostly I used these days to catch up on webcomic and fan fiction updates. I know, LAME! But I loved every second of it. It allowed me to take a breather. XD

December 10: Canadian History exam.
I enjoyed it. The night before my friend called me up and we ended up spending three hours going through the lecture notes together. Although I was confident of what I already knew, she made me study things I never thought to. In the end, I thought I did pretty good.

December 11-15: No exams. Wrote Nocte.
I have been waiting for this break since the beginning of the month. I told myself I'd take the time to write Nocte, and I did! Yay! I also updated my site a bit, adding stuff to the Comments page. Expect another Nocte update either this Thursday or Friday. I realized that I shouldn't update on Fridays anymore, cause that's when everyone updates and that just pushes Nocte off the page. Please tell me what days I should update Nocte!

December 16 (Tomorrow): English exam.
Just finished reading the last book today (December 15). Also, I should mention, I am currently playing Animal Crossing: City Folk for the Wii. I liked it on Game Cube, but it got repeatitive - fast. Right now, I'm not really playing. I just go into the game once everyday to hit the rocks and get money. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, then you either haven't played Animal Crossing OR you haven't checked for the cheats online.

December 17-18: Mini-break.
I will be reading the last book for my last English exam. I don't know if I'll have time to write Nocte though.

December 19: Last exam. Also happens to be an English exam.
I am actually really nervous over this one. I've had the professor before, but I just hate her exams. They're not hard, but there are a lot of options, and sometimes having too much choice makes it hard to choose! In the end though, I'm gonna have to write it. My only hope is that there is no ice storm during the week, otherwise the subway and buses won't run - and then I'd have to reschedule my exams! That's what I fear!

December 20-21: Clean room.
Enough said. Must clean my room and my old notes for the next semester. (Note to self: Must finish wrapping my cousin's Christmas present!)

December 21 (Night): Going home.
YAY! I can't wait to get back home! Did I tell you about my parents' giant rocks? Well, I tell you about it now.

A month ago, dad called me and asked me to come home. I had an essay to write, so I got kinda mad that he didn't seem to understand. He told me that my aunt and uncle were coming to visit him and mom during the weekend. He invited my grandparents also. So when my uncle said that they weren't going anymore (because my parents live FOUR HOURS away), my dad called everyone and pretty much commanded my uncle to go visit them.

Why the urgency? (I was hoping that my parents had won the lottery, or something.)

Apparently it's because my dad and mom bought giant rocks.

Yes, you read right.

Rocks.

GIANT ROCKS!

See, we live by the waterfront, right? So for the last twenty years, the St. Lawrence River has been eroding our soil. So, now that my parents (who are immigrants) have accumulated enough money, they bought GIANT ROCKS (and top soil - I forgot to mention) to divide the earth from the water. So BAM! - instant no more erosion!

*Sigh*

So basically dad told eveyone to drive from the city to the country in order to see his giant rocks - and they weren't even diamonds.

December 22 - January 4: Winter holidays!
There's gonna be Christmas, presents and chocolate involved! And then lots of family bonding. And then New Year Day! And then back to school...

Crap.

By the way, this summer will be my co-op session, so I'm going to have to look for jobs next semester. I am totally nervous and completely frazzelled. (Note to Self: Ask my previous employer to be one of my references!)

I hope this LiveJournal post will satisfy all those who are curious about my life. It's funny how even normal lives can be just as hectic as a Japanese drama show.

Loves,
~ the point ~

Not Dead. Still Very Much Alive... I Think

2008-11-30T16:01:01Z

I have to remind myself constantly to post on my blog in order for everyone to know I'm alive! I'm not dead! I'm still kickin' around! The only problem is that I had an essay due last week, and one due this Monday (tomorrow). That's why I haven't written much of the fifth Nocte.

Please do not kill me. I like living.

As for life, Sorelliena is here this weekend! Yay! We always seem to spend the whole night talking; we always go to sleep around four in the morning. How I'm managing to get my last essay done is based on my mad skillz. Srsly.

Sorelliena totally taught me how to use the paint and pen tool on Photoshop. Have yet to doodle around, but totally cool it I manage a webcomic (although that won't happen any time soon.) Which reminds me, said cousin is thinking of making a web-manga of her own. Check out her Deviantart for teasers! I think she's gonna put up a poll later. (So jealous of her talent ;P )

Anywho, gotta finish my essay.

Ttyl!

Fridays Are Now Officially Nocte Days

2008-11-07T16:50:55Z

It has been decided. Fridays are now officially Nocte Days.

I want to to say I'm sorry for not updating for so long, but I can't. Truthfully, I've been bogged down by university. I have four essays due this month, one for each week. It's totally a downer, but I'm really grateful that I'm not freaking out like I thought I would.

Included with all that messy essay writing, are the Canadian and American elections. I'm sure that you know by now that I'm Canadian (you can check my Fiction Press profile). I was sort of upset that Fiction Press displayed my nationality, but I figured whatever case - BROCK OBAMA GOT ELECTED!

I'm sorry to my McCain fans. I always admired the fact that he's a war hero, and that's so awesome that I have no words.

I really didn't want to bring politics to this blog except, you know, voting is important. Plus, this year was the first time I got to vote. I had voted for the Green Party in Canada. They're the newbies, but I love their leader, Elizabeth May.

Besides the elections, I was also distracted with Halloween! I didn't go trick or treating, but I so totally bought cheap Halloween candy after the night. I am totally chocolate prepared.

So, since I am chocolate prepared, I am also prepared to finish Chapter Two. I don't have classes on Friday so I decided that now, on every Friday, all I'm going to concentrate on is Nocte. Yay!!!

Expect to see an update soon!

Nocte Yin: Anti-Villain, Anti-Hero and Anti-Everything Else

2008-10-14T01:42:55Z

Ha, ha!

You're probably thinking, "Finally, it's out!"

Indeedio, the fifth Nocte is OUT!

To tell you the truth, it doesn't feel like I've waited long (probably because I've been busy with school and stuff), but I'm glad we've all made it this far!

Shall I rant a bit?

FictionPress has introduced Reader Traffic, which is awesomesauce! (Did you know I have readers from Indonesia? From Peru? From Saudi Arabia? This is totally cool!) I am absolutely in love with it cause I like to know just who is reading my stuff.

Anywho, I just hope you enjoy the fifth Nocte as much as I had trouble starting it. ;P

New Webby

2008-10-02T02:00:06Z

Two announcements:

One: I've re-vamped my website.

Two: The Fifth Nocte will be uploaded on October 13th.

Sorry, but I have to keep this short. I have a lot of reading to do for my classes.

Ciao!

Gaming

2008-09-15T23:04:15Z

I don't know about you, but I relieve stress in ways other than writing, reading and (all the time) listening to music. I also like to game (and I don't mean Monopoly or Scrabble, although I play a mean game of Scrabble). In "game," I mean on the PC, DS and Wii.

Just today, after my classes were done, I was on the bus playing on my DS. I was playing Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness (I've been waiting for it forever!) and this guy sitting beside me was watching me play! I didn't say anything and just let him watch. (I felt really popular!)

Unfortunately, I am not a very good player on most games. I don't like playing role-playing games (on account that I suck at them), but I do like watching my brother play them. Right now, in fact, I'm watching him play Lost Winds on the Wii. I think the art is kawaii and the game play idea very original.

As much as I love all these games (this includes, of course, the Final Fantasys [Six was the best one in my mind]), in the end of a hard day, I just like sitting in front of my PC and play Team Fortress. It's a first-person shooter game in which I can relieve a lot of stress by blowing others to bits. (And no, games do not make you violent ;P)

Anywho, that's all I wanted to rant about today. If you don't mind, I'm going have to finish this book (My Antonia by Willa Cather) for my English course.

Seeyas!

P.S. I am currently trippin' on Katy Perry on account that I have bought her C.D. last week. Not all her songs are to my liking, but they are certainly different.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

2008-09-14T16:35:27Z

Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. As for my family, we celebrated last night with moon cakes and tea and a dinner and everything. Oh, and we played mahjong! It was fun, but very tiring. (I didn't get to sleep until two in the morning.)

My grandmother left with her friends to see an acrobatic show this morning. My grandfather didn't go, opting to stay at home.

On another note, my bro's b-day is this coming Tuesday. I still have no idea what to get him. I usually have to ask him what he wants, and it's usually a game for the PC.

This semester is pretty busy. I actually miss summer where I had only three courses as opposed to five. So far I have no time to write, so the fifth Nocte isn't going to come out until much later. I'm think October, but that's kinda long even for me. ^_^;

Anywho, happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

Summer Exam Week

2008-08-18T17:49:33Z

This week is my exam week. I had one today (Monday) and then another on Wednesday - both being English courses. My other course (which was a Computer course) has no exams - yippie!

So after my exam today (which I thought I did pretty good), I went to the nearest bookstore and - FINALLY - I now have Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox! Man, I've been waiting FOREVER! I know, I know. I could have picked it up at another mall instead of the one near my university - but that takes a lot of work.

Besides, when you have a hot date (i.e. Artemis Fowl), you gotta make him wait. ;P

Anyway, I'll be going back home (meaning my parents' house) on Thursday, so I'm not sure if I'll have time to write Nocte. But I swear I will get this book done by the end of this summer. I know I will, otherwise I'll punish myself and no more cake for a month! NOOO!!!

2008 Olympics

2008-08-08T14:41:45Z

All my family members are fanatic about the Olympics this year, mostly because it's held in Beijing - China! Everyone's making calls and recording the event on our VCRs and stuff.

In fact, I'm currently watching the Parade of Nations. I really like the different uniforms all the athletes are wearing.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to wake up soon enough to witness the Opening Ceremonies, but I heard from my uncle that there were footprint-shaped fireworks? How awesomesauce is that? Footprint-shaped fireworks! I know I'm gonna frantically search the net for a video of that.

As you can tell, I've also updated Nocte today. I hope the combination of Olympics and Nocte will blow a few people's minds!

P.S. I think the Bird's Nest Stadium is the coolest shaped stadium ever!!! >_<